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“Always delicate since Sir Richard died.”

“How long ago was that?”

“Ten years or more.”

“Are there no young gentlemen in the family?”

“No, Miss Lillian is an only child, and a sweet one, bless her!”

“A proud little lady, I should say.”

“And well she may be, for there’s no better blood in England than the Trevlyns, and she’s heiress to a noble fortune.”

“Is that the Trevlyn coat of arms?” asked the boy abruptly, pointing to a stone falcon with the motto ME AND MINE carved over the gate through which they were passing.

“Yes. Why do you ask?”

“Mere curiosity; I know something of heraldry and often paint these things for my own pleasure. One learns odd amusements abroad,” he added, seeing an expression of surprise on the woman’s face.

“You’ll have little time for such matters here. Come in and report yourself to the keeper, and if you’ll take my advice ask no questions of him, for you’ll get no answers.”

“I seldom ask questions of men, as they are not fond of gossip.” And the boy nodded with a smile of mischievous significance as he entered the keeper’s lodge.

A sharp lad and a saucy, if he likes. I’ll keep my eye on him, for my lady takes no more thought of such things than a child, and Lillian cares for nothing but her own will. He has a taking way with him, though, and knows how to flatter. It’s well he does, poor lad, for life’s a hard matter to a friendless soul like him.

As she thought these thoughts Hester went on to the house, leaving Paul to win the good graces of the keeper, which he speedily did by assuming an utterly different manner from that he had worn with the woman.

That night, when the boy was alone in his own room, he wrote a long letter in Italian describing the events of the day, enclosed a sketch of the falcon and motto, directed it to “Father Cosmo Carmela, Genoa,” and lay down to sleep, muttering, with a grim look and a heavy sigh, “So far so well; I’ll not let my heart be softened by pity, or my purpose change till my promise is kept. Pretty child, I wish I had never seen her!”

Chapter III

SECRET SERVICE

In a week Paul was a favorite with the household; even prudent Hester felt the charm of his presence, and owned that Lillian was happier for a young companion in her walks. Hitherto the child had led a solitary life, with no playmates of her own age, such being the will of my lady; therefore she welcomed Paul as a new and delightful amusement, considering him her private property and soon transferring his duties from the garden to the house. Satisfied of his merits, my lady yielded to Lillian’s demands, and Paul was installed as page to the young lady. Always respectful and obedient, he never forgot his place, yet seemed unconsciously to influence all who approached him, and win the goodwill of everyone.

My lady showed unusual interest in the lad, and Lillian openly displayed her admiration for his accomplishments and her affection for her devoted young servitor. Hester was much flattered by the confidence he reposed in her, for to her alone did he tell his story, and of her alone asked advice and comfort in his various small straits. It was as she suspected: Paul was a gentleman’s son, but misfortune had robbed him of home, friends, and parents, and thrown him upon the world to shift for himself. This sad story touched the woman’s heart, and the boy’s manly spirit won respect. She had lost a son years ago, and her empty heart yearned over the motherless lad. Ashamed to confess the tender feeling, she wore her usual severe manner to him in public, but in private softened wonderfully and enjoyed the boy’s regard heartily.

“Paul, come in. I want to speak with you a moment,” said my lady, from the long window of the library to the boy who was training vines outside.